Overview & Reviews
Volkswagen has a long history of building small vans. There was the Microbus, of course, as well as the more recent Vanagon and Eurovan. However, the "hippie van" was always just that, and the later vans were just too funky to catch on with a mainstream audience. Consequently, VW has never really had a competitive modern minivan. In hopes of rectifying this situation, the company introduced the Volkswagen Routan.
The Routan was actually a rebadged and reworked version of Chrysler's minivan. Its general shape didn't stray far from the Chrysler formula, but the Routan's redesigned front and rear suggested a Teutonic makeover. In the Routan's first two years on the market, the cabin had a more upscale feel than the Chrysler vans, including more supportive seating and a partially reworked dash featuring VW's signature red and blue backlighting. Below deck, Volkswagen engineers retuned the suspension for a more refined and responsive driving experience.
As such, we found the Volkswagen Routan to be more desirable than its Chrysler siblings in these early years. However, by 2011, those siblings had implemented a series of changes that actually made them more similar to the Routan, and that previous advantage Volkswagen enjoyed was largely erased. Ultimately, the Routan was discontinued after four years of production.
No matter what year you're looking at, it's hard to make a case for buying what was essentially a Chrysler minivan from Volkswagen. Not only does Chrysler's spotty quality record remain a concern over the long haul, but competing used minivans like the Odyssey and Sienna are better buys in most respects.
Most Recent Volkswagen Routan
The Volkswagen Routan was introduced for 2009 and produced through 2012. A seven-passenger minivan, it was available in S, SE, SEL and SEL Premium trim levels.
Base S models included 16-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, second-row captain's chairs, a foldaway third-row split bench seat, a touchscreen-operated audio system and the usual assortment of modern conveniences. Stability control and a full complement of airbags were also standard.
The SE added larger alloy wheels, power side doors, a power driver seat, "leatherette" seating trim, heated front seats, rear sunshades and Bluetooth. The SEL got you tri-zone climate control, leather seating, a rearview camera, heated second-row seats and an iPod interface. The SEL Premium added a variety of luxury items like xenon headlights, keyless ignition/entry, driver memory settings and an upgraded sound system. A rear-seat entertainment system and a hard-drive-based navigation system were available on all but the base trim.
In its first two years on the market, the Routan S and SE trim levels were powered by a 3.8-liter V6 that produced 197 horsepower, while the SEL featured a stronger (and, surprisingly, more economical) 4.0-liter V6 that put out 253 hp. A six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive were standard. For 2011 and '12, every Routan was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 that produced 283 hp.
Anyone who has spent time in a Town & Country or Grand Caravan will instantly recognize the Routan's switchgear, dash-mounted shifter and basic overall design. The materials quality moved closer to that of its Chrysler siblings, but still remained a bit disappointing compared to most of Volkswagen's other models. The Volkswagen Routan version also lacked the Stow 'n Go second-row seats, but at least its conventional seats were nicely shaped. The third-row bench folded flat into the floor, while the second-row bench or captain's chairs could be removed for serious hauling duty.
In reviews, we found the Routan's original base engine to be sluggish and overmatched -- the SEL's larger V6 (and the later 3.6-liter V6) offered much livelier performance, and so equipped, the Routan was one of the fleetest minivans available. The Routan's ride and handling were a cut above the contemporary Chrysler minivans, but the van's overall dynamics still weren't segment-leading.
There were other less significant changes. For 2009 and '10, the base S came standard with an uncomfortable second-row bench seat that was later replaced with standard captain's chairs in upper trims. These early years also lacked the Routan's standard Chrysler-sourced touchscreen stereo interface and available Garmin navigation system.
User Reviews:
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Been Great - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
By TheGoodDriver - February 6 - 9:06 pmThis is a follow-up from my previous review a yr ago. So far, everythings been great about this vehicle and it now has 15,500 miles, with no electrical/mechanical issues. The Routans interior is the nicest of all minivans Ive test-driven. Best of all, the ride comfort and quietness give me and my family a peace of mind, and I learned how very important it is to be able to carry a normal conversation on a long trip, which you cannot do if youre in other popular (for no real reason) minivans that produce wind/road noise. Chryslers done an awesome job for the Routan and the VWs suspensions just ingenious— makes it a luxury minivan, not an average utility vehicle for a family.
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run away as fast as you can! - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
By disappointed - January 16 - 8:36 amPurchased a new 2009 Routon S. Nothing but problems! Headlamp held water, bumper cover started coming- off, trans seal leak, engine compartment rattle, stock ventshades would not stick to the windows, 2 window motors, all of this within 9 months. Bob King VW did not apparently know how to do a proper trns service, which led to the rattle. Took a tech from Charlotte to figure it out! No trans dipstick and the dealer and VW district rep would not order one when asked, even said I would pay for it! Be prepared for pure frustration with the vehicle, dealer, and VW of America. Also be prepared to hire an attorney, as VW of America is a useless car co. Avoid VW and Chrysler at all costs.
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Dont buy this car... - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
By bbaak - December 4 - 10:00 amThis car is 95% chrysler! First and foremost. If you want a VW, DONT BUY THIS. This is a Chrysler rebadged as a VW. The Only thing VW besides the logo is the suspension. I was told only the frame and the engine....but sorry the whole thing is Chrysler. VW sells 4 different vans in Germany, but now Im stuck with a car that has lost 30% of its value in less than one year. IF I knew then what I know now I would leased it at least then Id be able to mess w/ VW back as they would have to eat MOST of the cost on this car at surrender time. IF you want a routan buy a Town and Country....go to a VW dealer buy logos and stick them on.....same thing!!!!!!
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Dont buy this car... - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
By bbaak - December 4 - 10:00 amThis car is 95% chrysler! First and foremost. If you want a VW, DONT BUY THIS. This is a Chrysler rebadged as a VW. The Only thing VW besides the logo is the suspension. I was told only the frame and the engine....but sorry the whole thing is Chrysler. VW sells 4 different vans in Germany, but now Im stuck with a car that has lost 30% of its value in less than one year. IF I knew then what I know now I would leased it at least then Id be able to mess w/ VW back as they would have to eat MOST of the cost on this car at surrender time. IF you want a routan buy a Town and Country....go to a VW dealer buy logos and stick them on.....same thing!!!!!!
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Electrical and service nightmare - 2011 Volkswagen Routan
By justsaynat - October 18 - 10:50 amPurchased from Ken Garff VW in Orem in November of 2011. Within less than a month we were at the service dep. getting things fixed. First it was the paint and weather stripping around all the windows chipping and pealing and discolored. Then it was several trips for a shifting problem. They said it was electrical and they said they fixed it. But we were back 5 times and 2 so called recall updates to the electrical before finally another location replaced something I the engine. That seemed to help. But then the motor for the AC and heater broke. Then the electrical went crazy and my car shut off mid driving. Now its in the shop and I am ready to call it a lemon and get a new car.
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Best minivan - 2010 Volkswagen Routan
By rich - October 17 - 12:33 amI shopped around and this van is by far the best in looks and comfort. It is my first VW but will not be my last.
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Love it - 2012 Volkswagen Routan
By n_l_s - October 5 - 1:23 pmI really like this minivan. The interior is very appealing - drives very high up on the highway. Like the aluminum pentastar engine as well.
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my motor home got better gas milage - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
By tony-f - September 26 - 11:36 ammy van gets only 12 mpg in town and that is driving the speed limit.it has missed a few gears when you down shift.
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Rough Shifting - VW Needs To Fix!!!! - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
By pj - September 17 - 12:56 amI would not buy another because of the shifting issue. The van surges at times when shifting into second gear and downshifting. Reported to VW shortly after driving off the lot - new. NO response from VW NA. They offered to let us trade it for a Touareg but the dealer would not work out a deal that was affordable. In the end we are upset at VW and not thrilled about the sales manager at this site. The van is a nice kid hauler. We plan to keep it for 3 years and then dump it IF VW does not fix the issue.
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Keep Looking - 2009 Volkswagen Routan
By HereWeGo1 - August 26 - 7:46 pmThis Routan seemed to be a perfect fit. Very stylish, comfortable to ride in and best of all its European, at least until you look a little closer. The truth of the matter is that this van is made in Canada at a Chrysler plant. This is by far the worst vehicle I have ever owned. At about 700 miles the passenger side headlight began filling with moisture. The automatic doors do whatever they want, whenever they want. I woke up one morning to the side of our new van wide open getting soaked in the pouring rain. The power windows are very sporadic. Sometimes they work, most times they donÂ’t. Our rear bumper began pulling away from the body of the vehicle.
